Egypt studies solar power shift for water pumping stations to cut fuel costs

The Egyptian government is currently evaluating plans to expand solar energy use across its water pumping stations to accelerate its green transition and curb rising fuel import bills, Al Ahram reported on June 10. 

Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hany Sewilam and Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat discussed operational models and investment frameworks to reduce both running costs and carbon emissions. The Mechanical and Electrical Department, which manages the water pumping stations, remains one of Egypt's largest power consumers, with demand projected to surge by 40% over the next five years due to new infrastructure projects.

The ministry's phased transition strategy will initially target small, low-voltage stations, which constitute roughly 43% of the country's network. Plans also include a proposed 19MW solar plant linked directly to the national grid, as well as future initiatives integrating battery energy storage systems to ensure operational sustainability.

Sewilam noted that integrating clean energy into irrigation facilitates climate change adaptation while increasing Egypt's access to international climate finance. He ordered feasibility studies for centralised solar plants to support logistically challenging sites. Esmat added that growing domestic solar panel manufacturing would lower initial capital costs, noting that precise site selection is vital to maximise economic viability.

Under its updated Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy, Egypt aims to generate 42% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and over 60% by 2040, with a near-term presidential target pushing to reach a 45% clean energy share by 2028 through massive solar and wind expansions.